Pushing Yourself Outside of Your Comfort Zone: What You Learn from Mental Growth
The equestrian world is a competitive one, but it's also an extremely rewarding world. You have to be determined, disciplined, and patient if you want to succeed in it. There are many things about the sport that requires mental strength and determination - from getting out of your comfort zone to pushing yourself outside of your limits on a daily basis - but these are all necessary for growth. It's not always easy or fun at first, but eventually, all the effort pays off.
But, how can you keep motivated? It is a demanding sport, no matter which discipline you practice. It requires many hours of training and many failures to learn to do one skill right. However, there are many ways to stay motivated and keep your eyes on the prize.
It's important not to give up when you fall off a horse or lose a competition because if you do, it will only make things harder for yourself next time. You have to get back up and try again. Keep pushing yourself every day - eventually, all the effort will add up, and you'll be able to accomplish each set of goals.
It would help if you also tried new things that scare you on occasion - this is a great way to grow and open up possibilities for yourself in the sport of riding. If something doesn't go your way, it's okay because eventually, all those experiences will make you a better rider. Push yourself every day to be better than the day before.
So, the next time you show up to a show and feel intimidated by all of the other riders, remember that everyone started out in your shoes; it's okay if things go wrong because eventually, everything will line up - trust yourself!
Being courageous is facing those fears and doubts about your skills, preparing yourself, training, showing up for your practices, trying your best at show competitions. Being brave is not knowing if you can do it, but doing it anyway.
Being assertive is showing up and working hard every day on your riding skills even though you feel like giving up sometimes because that's what makes a better rider than the one who quits. Being mentally tough in show-jumping isn't easy, but it's rewarding.
You can show your mental strength by meeting the challenge with confidence and courage, no matter what experiences you've encountered before; keep trying to do better every day! Showing up is half the battle - eventually, all that hard work will make sense!
Finally, paying attention to your trainers is essential for progressing in the sport. They are aware of your strengths and weaknesses, as well as the things you need to work on. It can be frustrating at times, but listening to them is essential to improve our riding skills.
Showing up to training every day is a commitment that requires discipline and determination. You have to keep going even though things get tough sometimes - listening closely, learning from your mistakes, believing you can do it, pushing yourself outside of your limits daily will help you succeed in the sport!
